Only real effect of string savers is that they help reduce fraying and wear.

Some people claim they tighten up the stringbed by a few pounds, but that depends on how many savers you install. If you only put in a few, then it won't have any effect. If you put in 10 or more, then you might notice a slightly tighter stringbed.

I like them for multifilament and natural gut strings. For other strings, I don't bother.

I've tried the Babolat Elastocross string savers. They do what they are supposed to do, which is to give you a little more time when your strings look like they are about to pop. I don't particularly like the side effects. I used them on multifilaments, and it seems the strings move more and give less spin. That's why I no longer use them.

Im full bed natural gut user for the past year and yes I notice a difference when put some string savers. I dont use them anymore since I wax my strings with a canddle before and after playing. It works wonders, it keep the string moist and doesnt dry up. (I avoid playing clay courts)

Im full bed natural gut user for the past year and yes I notice a difference when put some string savers. I dont use them anymore since I wax my strings with a canddle before and after playing. It works wonders, it keep the string moist and doesnt dry up. (I avoid playing clay courts)

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Just curious, is that legal to add a substance like candle wax to strings before a match? Is there any limitation to adding a material/substance to the string bed?

There is no reason why it would be illegal in this case. Adding things into the stringbed, however, is different.

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Ok... just conversationally tho... couldn't/wouldn't the wax be imparted onto the ball as a foreign substance? And what is the limit to what a person could apply to the strings before it was deemed illegal? Grease? Apply super glue then sprinkle some sort of grit onto the glue?

I understand WHY wax would help maintain the natural gut, I'm just curious/surprised that it is allowed to be applied AFTER it is strung. Again, not trying to be a jerk, just wondering.

Ok... just conversationally tho... couldn't/wouldn't the wax be imparted onto the ball as a foreign substance? And what is the limit to what a person could apply to the strings before it was deemed illegal? Grease? Apply super glue then sprinkle some sort of grit onto the glue?

I understand WHY wax would help maintain the natural gut, I'm just curious/surprised that it is allowed to be applied AFTER it is strung. Again, not trying to be a jerk, just wondering.

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As far as I am aware, the rule is anything placed or woven into the stringbed above the bottom cross is illegal. I presume that stringsavers are therefore excluded from this rule. Spraying things on strings is nothing new or unusual. It's when things are placed into the stringbed that comments are raised.

Ok... just conversationally tho... couldn't/wouldn't the wax be imparted onto the ball as a foreign substance? And what is the limit to what a person could apply to the strings before it was deemed illegal? Grease? Apply super glue then sprinkle some sort of grit onto the glue?

I understand WHY wax would help maintain the natural gut, I'm just curious/surprised that it is allowed to be applied AFTER it is strung. Again, not trying to be a jerk, just wondering.

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Its all good Mongolmike, Im not the right person to know if its illegal or not. I do it like you said "to maintain the natural gut". But what i can said is that doenst add anything to playability, doesnt make "spin more the ball" or any of that mumble jumble. Its just make the gut more durable.

As far as I am aware, the rule is anything placed or woven into the stringbed above the bottom cross is illegal. I presume that stringsavers are therefore excluded from this rule. Spraying things on strings is nothing new or unusual. It's when things are placed into the stringbed that comments are raised.

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Ok, thanks... I understand. Now, again out of curiosity, what type of stuff is sprayed on strings and for what purpose?

I tell you what... if I was playing USTA or a tourney and inbetween sets I see my opponent applying or spraying something onto his string bed.... I think I'd notify an official for clarification. Just doesn't seem right, but I certainly don't know all the rules.

Its all good Mongolmike, Im not the right person to know if its illegal or not. I do it like you said "to maintain the natural gut". But what i can said is that doenst add anything to playability, doesnt make "spin more the ball" or any of that mumble jumble. Its just make the gut more durable.

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Yeah, and for the price of gut, anything to help is good. I suppose wax might help keep moisture off the gut too.. like from humidity or sweat.... I certainly wouldn't play with gut when it is a little damp out, even with the coating on some of the guts.

Ok, thanks... I understand. Now, again out of curiosity, what type of stuff is sprayed on strings and for what purpose?

I tell you what... if I was playing USTA or a tourney and inbetween sets I see my opponent applying or spraying something onto his string bed.... I think I'd notify an official for clarification. Just doesn't seem right, but I certainly don't know all the rules.

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You can buy dry alcohol based lubricants on e Bay designed for the purpose. There was also an article (which the subjects of which wanted to part of) where it was stated that pros are using silicone spray on their stringbeds.

You can buy dry alcohol based lubricants on e Bay designed for the purpose. There was also an article (which the subjects of which wanted to part of) where it was stated that pros are using silicone spray on their stringbeds.

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Hi PV, on that topic, I am half way though my 5 bottle of performaxx, and stringpro's **** store is gone now/ is there a particular one you would suggest to replace them?

a. The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the center than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
No mention of wax or silicone, though they would appear to fall under the exception.
That may be a slippery slope, however.

a. The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the center than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
No mention of wax or silicone, though they would appear to fall under the exception.
That may be a slippery slope, however.

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They are not objects in the first place, else stencils, which are not even used to prevent wear and tear or vibration, would be illegal.

I'd only recommend babolat elastocrosses. From my experiences with gut (full bed or poly hybrid) they improve both spin and string life. They are made for Teflon and allow the strings to move and snap back. They also increase the tension of e string bed by a couple of pounds.

You can buy dry alcohol based lubricants on e Bay designed for the purpose. There was also an article (which the subjects of which wanted to part of) where it was stated that pros are using silicone spray on their stringbeds.

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I use the silicone spray on a new string job. With a multifilament, it does help the strings snap back in place for a longer period of time. I'm too lazy/scared to apply it before every match.